10 Reasons Why You Should Give Pilates A Go
If you already do Pilates, see if your favourite reason makes the list!!
1. Pilates Is Whole-Body Fitness Pilates does not over-develop certain parts of the body and neglect others. While Pilates training focuses on core strength, it trains the body as an integrated whole. Pilates promote strength and balanced muscle development as well as flexibility and increased the range of motion for the joints. Attention to core support and full-body fitness, including the breath and the mind, provide a level of integrative fitness that is hard to find elsewhere.
It is also a reason that Pilates is popular in rehab settings, as well as with athletes who find that Pilates is a great foundation for any kind of movement they do.
2. Pilates Is Adaptable to Many Fitness Levels and Needs Whether you are a senior just starting to exercise, an elite athlete, or somewhere in between, the foundations of Pilates movement apply to you. Building from core strength, focusing on proper alignment, and a body/mind integrative approach makes Pilates accessible to all. With thousands of possible exercises and modifications, Pilates can be tailored to individual needs. There are ways you can modify the exercise and even specific considerations for Pilates for men.
3. Pilates Creates Strength Without Bulk
Long, lean muscles are the name of the game. In Pilates, you are not looking to build muscles for show. You are developing toned muscles that work perfectly within the context of your body as a whole, and your individual functional fitness needs as you move through life.
4. Pilates Increases Flexibility In Pilates, you work toward a safe increase in length and stretch of the muscles and range of motion within the joints. Having a body that can stretch and bend to meet the flow of life is a realistic goal and yet still be strong to support your daily tasks, is the optimum goal.
5. Pilates Develops Core Strength The core muscles of the body are the deep muscles of the back, abdomen, and pelvic floor. We rely on these muscles to support a strong, supple back, good posture, and efficient movement patterns. When our core is strong, the frame of the body is supported. Our neck and shoulders can relax, and the rest of our muscles and joints are free to do their jobs (but don't have to do more). A nice side benefit is that core training promotes flatter abs. Pilates can help you learn how to pull your abs in to get the most out of the exercises.
6. Pilates Improves Posture Good posture is a reflection of good alignment that is supported by a strong core. It is a position from which one can move freely. Starting with Pilates movement fundamentals and progressing through mat exercises, Pilates trains the body to express itself with strength and harmony. People who practice Pilates often have excellent posture. It's also a reason why people do Pilates for back pain. Good posture also promotes efficient breathing and thus a positive impact on internal organs.
7. Pilates Increases Energy
It might seem like a paradox, but the more you exercise, the more energy you have. The more energised you are, the more you'll feel like doing your exercise routine.
Pilates gets the breath and circulation moving, stimulates the spine and muscles, and floods the body with the good feelings one gets from exercising the whole body.
8. Pilates Promotes Weight Loss and Long, Lean Appearance If you practice Pilates regularly, it will change your body. Known for creating long, strong muscles and a leaner look, Pilates improves your muscle tone, balances musculature, supports beautiful posture, and teaches you to move with ease and grace. All of these things will make you look and feel very fit. If you want to lose weight, the formula for weight loss remains the same:
Burn more calories than you take in. As a full-body fitness method, Pilates can help you do that. Combined with gentle aerobics activity such as walking, Pilates becomes a prime weight loss and body toning tool.
9. Pilates Increases Awareness Joseph Pilates was adamant that Pilates (or "contrology" as he called it) was about
"the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit." This is the secret of Pilates exercise. When we practice each movement with our total attention, the body and mind unite to bring forth the most benefit possible from each exercise. The Pilates principles —centring, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow;
are key concepts that are used to integrate body and mind.
10. There Are Many Ways to Learn Pilates The ever-growing popularity of Pilates has put it on the map, so classes are easy to come by. And due to the Covid Lockdowns, the accessibility is even better today with the benefits of Zoom Online classes. This is particularly good for beginners because it's important to start Pilates exercise from a qualified Pilates instructor. You can always supplement your learning once you get going. You can even practice Pilates at home. You don't need fancy equipment; just a mat and comfy clothes!
Did your favourite reason appear here?!?!?!?!
Namaste
Sent with light and blessings
Sharon x